Coin mechanism



B. RADTKE; 1,869,616

COIN MECHANISM Filed Feb. 16, 1951 4 sheets-sheet 1 Aug. 2, 1932.

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` COIN MECHANISM Filed Feb. 1e. 1951 4 sheets-sheet 2 Aug. 2, 1932. B, RADTKE 1,869,616

COIN MECHANISM Filed Feb. 16, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 lill/eidanruno fida/54e,

Aug. 2, 1932.

B. RADTKE COIN MECHANISM Filed Feb. 16, 1931 wwwmumsl...

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Aug. 2, 11932 l 4UNITED STATES' PATENT ycorr-'Ica BRUNO RAIDTKE, F LIFmTYVILLE, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO MILLS NOVELTY COH- PANYfOF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A. CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS COIN MEGHANISM Application led February 16, 1931. Serial No. 516,056.

. of the controlled machine with iron checks or other magnetic slugs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin mechanism of this character having improved means for testing the uality of the coin as to size and shape 1n sugli a manner as to positively eliminate the possibili ty of obtaining operation of the controlled machine by the use of perforated coins or coins which are either too large or too small.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be ap arent from the following description, whic taken in connection with the accompan ing drawings, discloses a pre# ferred em diment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a vending machine rovided with coin control mechanism em odying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail sectional and elevational view of the coin mechanism being taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the mechanism taken as indicated by the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the same taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 and showing the parts in a different operative position;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section through the oin nechanism taken on the line 6-6 of Fig.

an Fig. 7 is a detail section showing the mechanism for detecting perforated coins, the section being taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

In the embodiment selected for illustration in the drawings, I have shown the coin control mechanism is connected with a machine for vendin packages of candy, such as mints and the. li e. The machine is housed in a box-shaped casing consisting of a back wall 11, a top wall12, a bottom wall 13, side walls 14, and a front cover plate which is hingedlyv connected at its lower front edge to the bottom wall 13. The cover plate 15 is normally held in closed position on the casing by a lock 16. A discharge port 17 is provided in the cover plate 15 and is positioned to register with a suitable discharge chute positioned on the interior of the casing to provide means for delivery of the packages to the operator. The vending mechanism which is enclosed within the casing, may be of any suitable form and is not shown in the drawings since it does not form a part of the present invention.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the coin control mechanism comprises; a supporting panel or plate 18 which is iixedly mounted in the machine casing; a coin detecting mechanism carried by the plate 18 and indicated generally by the numeral 19; an operating shaft 21 'ournaled in the plate 18; and a control andle 22 for turning the shaft 21. I

The supporting plate 18 is rectangular in shape and is attached by means of screws 23 to a brace plate 24 which in turn is secured by -bolts 25 to the side walls of the mal chine casing. The detecting mechanism 19 and the control handle 22 are exposed to the operator through an opening 26 in. the cover plate.15. The .coverplate 15 also includes a coin slot late 27 through which coins are introduced), and a window 28 throughvwhich the coin previously used in the operatlon of the machine may be seen.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 6, the coin detecting mechanism 19 includes a carrier plate or disc 29 positioned adjacent the supporting plate 18, a clutch arm 31 releasably connecting the disc 29 with the control handle 22, and an inverted cup-shaped houslng 32 secured by bolts 33 to the plate 18. The dlsc 29 is mounted on a hub 34 carried by the operating shaft member 21. The control handle 22 is loosely mounted on the operating shaft member 21, being connected thereto through the clutch arm 31, the carrier plate 29, and the hub 34. One end of the clutch arm 31 is pivotally connected at 35 to the disc 29, the opposite end being yieldingly connected to said discthrough a coil spring 36 which urges the arm inwardly against the hub portion of the control handle 22. A cam lug 37 carried by the arm 31 engages in one or the other of a pair of diagonally disposed notches 38 in the hub of the handle 22. Normally the disc 29 and operating shaft 21 turn with the control'handle 22. If, however, an excessive force is applied to the handle 22 in an e'ort to force an improper coin through the mechanism, the cam lug 37 Will ride up out of one of the notches 38, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 5, and release the control handle from the disc 29 and the shaft 21, thereby preventing breaking of the parts due to excessive strain. A stop pin 30, positioned to engage the free end of the arm 31, limits the inward movement of said arm under the action of spring 36.

The carrier plate 29 is designed to transpose a coin introduced through the coin slot plate 27 through a series of devices which com inedly serve to check the quality of the coin as to size, shape, and material. Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, the inner face of the disc or carrier plate 29 is recessed to provide a circumferential notch or pocket 39 which in the normal or inoperative position of the handle 22 is opposite the coin slot plate 27. This recess is of such diameter and thickness as to prevent the introduction ot a com which is either too thick or too large. If the coin is of such dimensions as to not pass into the pocket 39, it may be removed by the operator. The recess 39 is provided with a continuation 41 which is of considerably less depth than the main portion of the pocket and the purpose et which will be presently explained. Assuming that a coin or check has been introduced into the pocket 39, upon the turning oi the handle 22 in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 4, which in the embodiment shown is the operating direction for shaft 21, the coin 42 is first moved to a station for detecting perforations.

The mechanism for detecting perorations in the coins or checks is best shown in Figs. 3, 6, and 7. It consists of a pawl 43 pivotally mounted on a cdeat 44 which is secured by screws 45 to the inner face of the supporting plate 18. The pawl 43 projects through an aperture 46 in the plate 18, the outer end being held against the inner face of the disc 29 by a spring clip 47. If instead of using a proper coin an apertured slug is employed, the free end of the pawl 43 will be thrust into the aperture in the slug as the latter moves with the disc 29 into position opposite the.

free end oi said pawl, thus obstructing fur-- ther advance movement of the carrier 29. If a proper coin is used the pawl 43 will ride over the face of the coin allowing it to pass unobstructed. Movement of the carrier 29 in the reverse direction will return the perforated slug to the position opposite the coin slot plate 27 from which position it may be removed by the operator. l

After passing the pawl 43 the coin 42 proceeds to a small-coin detecting station which rejects undersize coins. In the embodiment shown the mechanism employed for this purpose includes a lever 48, fulcrumed at 49 on the inner face of the supporting plate 18, and a latch arm 51 pivoted at 52 on the inner face of plate 1S. rl`he short arm of lever 48 is provided with a lug 53 which projects outwardly adjacent the periphery of disc 29 through an opening 54 in the plate 18. The other arm of the lever 48 carries a bracket lug 55 which engages a set screw 56 carried by the latch arm 51. The arm 51 also is provided adjacent the periphery of disc 29 with a stop lug 57 which projects outwardly throu h an opening 58 in the supporting plate 18. lock nut 59 carried by the screw 56 provides means for adjusting the relative position of the lever 48 and the latch arm 51.

When a coin of proper diameter moves in pocket 39 opposite the lug 53 it will engage the latter to pivot the lever 48 in a clockwise direction, viewing F ig. 3, which in turn pivots the latch arm 51 in a counter-clockwise direction to remove the stop lug 57 outwardly or away from the periphery of disc 29. T he stop lug 57 is thus removed from the path of a shoulder 61 formed on the periphery or" the disc 29, leaving said disc itree to allow further advance movement or turning of the operating shaft 21. lit the coin is undersize it will not engage the lug 53 and further rotation of the coin `disc 29 is obstructed by engagement of the shoulder 61 with stop lug 57. 'By turning the operating handle 22 in the reverse direction the small coin may be carried back to the receiving position opposite the coin slot plate 27 where it may be removed by the operator.

llt is very importantto provide mechanism of this class with means for positively preventing operation oi the controlled machine with iron checks or slugs. This is accomplished according to my invention, by providing means vfor preventing operation of the machine in such a manner that an iron slug can be thrown past the pole pieces of a detecting magnet such as is commonly employed for this purpose. This means, which is best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is so designed that it will function regardless of the speed at which the mechanism is operated.

Assuming the coin 42 has passed the two stations just described, it is then carried by the disc 29 over the pole pieces 62 of a detecting magnet 63 which is secured by screws 64 to the inner face of the supporting plate 18. The pole pieces 62 are positioned in an opening 65 formed in the plate 18 and are approximately flush with the outer face of said plate. A pin 66 is positioned on the plate 18 near the periphery of disc 29 below the pole pieces 62 and slightly in advance thereof.

The purpose of the pin' 66 is to retard the movement of the coin or slug as it passes over the pole pieces 62 to give an opportunity for vthe magnet to catch magnetic slugs. This pin is so positioned that when the pocket 39 with the coin or slug therein arrives over the pole pieces 62 the lower edge of said coin or slug engages said pin and is temporarily checked against further movement. If the slug 1s magnetic it is retained in the pocket 39 by the pole pieces 62 and positively prevents any furtherV advance movement of the carrier inasmuch as it becomes wedged betweenthe rear edge of the pocket 39 and the pin 66. This construction positively prevents throwing of a slug past the detecting magnet, the pin 66 always controlling the movement of the coin or slug in such a way as to give the magnet opportunity to act. In some coin devices it is possible to throw an iron slug past the magnetic detecting station by operating the mechanism so rapidly that the ma net does not have a chance to catch and ho d the slug. Iron slugs retained in the pocket 39 may be removed by turning the carrier back to the original receiving position opposite coin slot plate 27.

If the coin 42 is non-magnetic it is only temporarily retained over the pole pieces 62 by the pin 66 thereafter dropping part way from the pocliet 39 and falling between the pin 66 and a lug 67 which projects through an aperture 68 in the plate 18.A

The lug 67 is carried by the short arm of a lever 69 which is fulcrumed at 71 to the inner face of supporting plate 18. The long arm of lever 69 carries a lug 72 which extends outwardly through an aperture 73 in the plate 18, and a second lug 74 which projects inwardly to engage an arm 5 of a trip lever 7 6, the latter being pivoted at 77 to the inner face of plate .18. The trip lever 76 is provided with a second arm 78 which extends upwardly to engage a projection 79 on the latch arm 51.

The action of the coin 42 in passing between the stop pin 66 and lug 67 is best shown in Fig. 5. As th`e coin falls part way out of the pocket 39 it clears the rear edge of said pocket and is then forced downwardly by the continuation 41 of the pocket 39. This downward movement of the coin between the pin 66 and the lug 67: pivots the lever 69 in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 3. This movement' of the lever 69 raises the lug 72 to release a previously used coin 81 which has been held between the lug .72 and the pointed end 82 of a plate member 83 carried by the supporting plate 18. It will be observed that the continuation 41 extends a considerable distance around the periphery of carrier plate 29, and gradually tapers toward the outer edge vof said plate. The coin is thus gradually forced between pin 66 and ment of the lever 69 in a counter-clockwise direction also pivots the trip lever 76 in a clockwise direction by engagement of they lug 74 with the arm 75. This movement of the lever 76 throws' the arm 78 against lthe lug 79 thereby swinging the ratchet arm 51 to remove the stop lug 57 away from the disc 29, thereby' avoiding engagement with a tooth 84 on the periphery of the disc 29. After the tooth 84 clears the lug 57 the plate 29 is 'free to be advanced through a complete revolution. After the coin 42 passes between the l stop pin 66 and the lug 67 it falls to the display station between the lug 72 and the point 82 where it remains until its release by the succeeding coin. A coil spring 85 connected at one'end to the plate 18 and at the other end to the latch lever 51 yieldingly holds the system of levers 48, 69, and 76 in their normal obstructing positions.

After a coin has been accepted return movement of the disc 29 is prevented by a latch arm 86, pivoted at 87 to the inner face of plate 18, and provided with a Stop lug 88 projecting outwardly through an opening 89 in the plate 18. The lug 88 is positioned adjacent the periphery of the disc 29 and engages a series of ratchet teeth 91 to prevent return movement of the disc 29 after the coin has been finally accepted. A coil spring 90, extending between latch arm 86 and the trip lever 76, holds the lug 88 yieldingly against the edge of disc 29. After the acceptance of the coin, continued turning of the handle 22v carries the disc 29 forward to the initial receivingv position shown in Fig. 4. W'hen this position has been reached reverse movement is prevented by engagement between the stop lug 57 and a notch 92 formed in the periphery of the disc 29. Coins released from the holding or display station opposite the window 28 are conducted by a coin chute 93 to a coin boX in the bottom of the casing.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the detecting mechanism progressively checks the quality of the com before allowing it to be finally accepted. After acceptance of the coin the carrier is free to beturned through a complete revolution to operate the vending mechanism or other coin operated apparatus. Until the coin is finally accepted the carrier may be turned in the reverse direction to return the coin to the operator.

. is to be applied.

The particular connection between the shaft member 21 and the operative mechanism of the machine is determined by the type of machine to which the coin mechanism In the embodiment selected for illust-ration in the drawings the mechanism is shown as provided with connections for operating a vending machine of the type shown in my co-pending application, Serial No. 516,055, tiled February7 16, 1931. This connecting mechanism includes a spur gear 94, secured to the shaft 21, and a second sour gear 95, rotatably supported on a stud 96 carried by the plate 18. The gear 95 is conz nected to the vending mechanism through a lil link 9T which is eccentrically connected at 98 to the gear 95, said link being provided at its lower end with a pin 100 which connects with the vending machine.

The vending mechanism is intended to deliver a package each time the gear 95 makes a half revolution, this being effected by a complete revolution of the gear 94. An aligning lever 99 pivoted at 101 to the plate 18, engages a diagonally disposed pair of studs 102 carried on the outer face of gear 95. A coil spring 103, connected at one end to the tree end of the lever 99 and at the other end to the plate 18, yieldingly holds said lever against the studs 102.

It will be understood that the coin mechanism may be used for the purpose of merely introducing coins into a coin-operated machine, in which case it would not b'e necessary to use connecting means for driving the mechanism from the shaft 21.

The control mechanism combines in a .single unitary structure all oi the necessary means for effectively checking the quality of a coin. The entire structure may be assembled as a unit which may be readily applied to any desired type of coin-operated machine. This feature tends to greatly increase the marketability of the article and is an important sales factor. l

IVhile I have referred in the description of the invention to the application of the mechamsm to coin-operated machines, it will be understood that machines which are operated by checks rather than coins are to be considered as Within the class of coin-operated machines as contemplated by the invention.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

IVhat I regard as new and desire to secure b v Letters Patent is:

1. Coin mechanism comprising` a coin carrier adapted to be moved from an initial coinreceivlng position to a coin-discharging position, a detecting magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of said carrier, and

means for retaining a coin or slug contained in said carrier within the sphere of action of said magnet, whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug, said means in such event also preventing further movement of the carrier.

2. Coin mechanism comprising, a coin carrier adapted to be moved from an initial coinreceiving position to a coin-discharging position, a. detecting magnet disposed adjacent the pathot movement of said carrier, and means for retaining a coin or slug contained in said carrier within the sphere of action of said magnet, whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug, said means in such event also reventing further movement of the carrier ut permitting such movement if the carrier contain a proper coin which is not retained by said magnet.

3. Coin mechanism comprising, a coin carrier adapted to be moved from an initial coinreceiving position to a coin-discharging` position, a detecting magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of said carrier, and means for detaining a coin or slug contained in said carrier Within the sphere ot action of said magnet, whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug, said means comprising a stop member positioned to engage such coin or slug as it moves opposite the magnet, said member positively engaging a slug retained in the carrier to prevent further movement ot the latter.

4. Coin mechanism comprising, a rotary carrier adapted to be turned from an initial coin-receiving position to a coin-discharging position, a detecting magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of the carrier, and means for detaining a coin or slug contained in said carrier Within the sphere of action of said magnet whereby to insure detection and retention of the same irn it be a magnetic slug. said means in such event also preventing further movement of the carrier.

5. Coin mechanism comprising, a rotary carrier adapted to be turned from an initial coin-receiving position to a coin-discharging position, a detecting magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of the carrier. and means for detaining a coin or slug contained in said carrier Within the srhere oi action of said magnet` whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug` said means comprising a stop member positioned to engage such coin or slug as it moves opposite the magnet, said member positively engaging a slug retained in the carrier to prevent further movement of the latter.

6. Coin mechanism comprising. a carrier adapted to be moved from an initial coinreceiving position to a coin-discharging nosition, and means for checking the quality of the coin during said interval of movement of the carrier, said means including a device detecting undersize coins, and means for defor detecting perforated coins, a device for tecting magnetic slugs, said last-mentioned means including a magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of the carrier, and means for detaining a coin or slug contained in said carrier within the sphere of action of said magnet, whereby. to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug, said means in such event also preventing further movement of the carrier.

7. Coin mechanism comprising, a plate, a carrier rotatably supported on said plate, said carrier being provided with a circumferential recess afording a pocket for receiving and holding a coin against the plate during a portion of a revolution of the carrier thereon, an operating handle for turning said carrier, and means for checking the quality of the coin during the progress of its movement Y `about the axis of said carrier, said means including a magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of the carrier, and means for detaining a coin or slug contained in said recess Within the sphere of action of said magnet, whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug, said means in such event also preventing further movement of the carrier.

,8. Coin mechanism comprising, a plate, a carrier rotatably supported on said plate, said carrier being provided with a circumferential recess affording a pocket for receiving and'holding a coin against. the plate during a portion of a revolution ofthe carrier thereon, an operating handle for turning said carrier, and means for checking the quality of the coin during the progress of its movement about the axis of said carrier, said means including a magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of the carrier, and lmeans for detaining a coin or slug contained in said recess within the sphere'of action of said magnet, whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug, said means comprising a pin disposed adjacent the periphery of the carrier, Vsaid pin being positioned to engage such coin or slug as it moves opposite the magnet, said pin positive- 1y engaging a slug retained in said recess in the carrier to prevent further movement of the latter.

9. Coin mechanism comprising, a carrier adapted to be moved from an initial coin-receivlng position to a coin-discharging position, means for checking the quality of the coin during said interval of movement of the carrier, said means including a magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of the carrier, means for detaining a coin or slug contained inthe carrier within the sphere of4 action of said magnet, whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a.

magnetic slug, said means in such event'also v preventing further movement of the carrier,

and means for holding and displaying the previously introduced coin during the nterval between successive coin actuations of the mechanism.

l0. Coin mechanism comprising, a carrier adapted to be moved from' an initial coin-receiving position to a coin-discharging position, means for checking `the quality of the coin during said interval of movement of the carrier, said means including a magnet disposed adjacent the path of movement of the carrier, means for detaining a coin or slug contained in the carrier within the sphere of action of said magnet, whereby to insure detection and retention of the same if it be a magnetic slug, said means in such event also preventing further movement of the carrier, and means for holding and displaying the previously introduced coin during the interval between successive coin actuations of the mechanism, said means being operated by the succeeding coin to release the coin on display.

In Witness whereof I hereunto subscribemy name to this specification.

v BRUNO RADTKE. 

